God Our Rock

Columba's Bay, Isle of Iona, Scotland

Encounter with Scripture: Rise earlier than usual one morning, grab your morning drink and find a quiet place to sit. Put your phone on Do Not Disturb and find a rock out of the yard, or a photo of a rock, any rock will do and set it near you or hold it as you slowly read Psalm 31, after reading the entire passage, focus on reading through verses 1-5, 14-16 and before saying an AMEN, listen to the encouragement of verse 24. 

Look at these incredible rocks! I couldn’t help but exclaim as I trekked across the Isle of Iona. The island boasts some of the most captivating rock formations along its coastline and scattered across the sand. I climbed some and tucked a few into my backpack to bring back home.

They were especially numerous on the south end of the isle at Columba’s Bay, named after St Columba and 12 companions who came here from Ireland in AD 563. Iona has been described as the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland. The monastery they founded was one of the most important and influential in the British Isles and is where the Book of Kells, an artistic masterpiece of the Holy Scriptures was created.

I pictured these courageous Christ followers landing on this beautiful shore and wondered, did the many scriptures about God as their Rock, such as Psalm 31 come to their mind? I can only imagine it did, as they put themselves in harms way, in a fragile little boat called a curragh, putting up their sail and as the story goes, praying the wind of Spirit to take them where God wanted them. And there they landed in Columba’s bay and that island of pagan darkness would never be the same as the light of Christ broke in around them. 

In the opening verses of Psalm 31, the psalmist seeks refuge in God, describing Him as a rock and fortress:

"In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me."

Here, God is depicted as a protective and guiding force, a dependable foundation in times of trouble. This imagery conveys not only the idea of physical shelter but also spiritual and emotional support.

The latter part of Psalm 31 continues to highlight God's unwavering support:

"Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord."

This passage encourages believers to trust in God's protection and to find strength in His presence.

The rock metaphor suggests permanence and reliability, qualities that are essential for those seeking solace in their faith.

The image of God as our rock is a powerful symbol of strength, stability, and refuge. Throughout history, many have relied on this steadfast presence to guide them through life's challenges and it is no different for us.

By exploring Psalm 31 and the stories of saints like St. Aidan and St. Columba, we can better understand how the metaphor of a rock embodies various attributes of God. These saints exemplify courage and faith as they spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout Scotland.

Reflect

Reflecting on the image of God as a rock, we recognize attributes such as strength, reliability, and refuge. These qualities are not only comforting but also empowering, providing a foundation for individuals to act with courage and faith. Throughout history, many have drawn inspiration from this metaphor, allowing them to remain steadfast in their beliefs and missions.

Spiritual Practice

Embracing the image of God as our rock can be a powerful spiritual practice. Consider incorporating the following into your daily routine:

• Meditation: Spend time in quiet reflection, visualizing God as a rock in your life. Focus on the stability and strength this image brings.

• Prayer: Use prayers that emphasize God's attributes as a rock and fortress, seeking His guidance and protection in your everyday life.

  • Pray with Columba:

“Alone with none but thee, my God

I journey on my way.

What need I fear when thou art near,

Oh king of night and day?

More safe am I within thy hand

Than if a host did round me stand.”

– St. Columba

• Journaling: Document moments where you have felt God's support and strength, using these reflections as a source of encouragement.

Gather

As we gather to celebrate the strength and courage of figures like Aidan and Columba, we honor their legacy of faith. These saints exemplified the power of relying on God as their rock, spreading the Gospel with unwavering determination.

• St. Aidan: Known for his humility and missionary zeal, St. Aidan founded the monastic community on Lindisfarne, which became a center for Christian education and evangelism in Scotland.

• St. Columba: A key figure in spreading Christianity throughout Scotland, St. Columba established the monastery on Iona, which played a crucial role in the Christianization of the region.

By drawing inspiration from these saints and the enduring image of God as our rock, we can find the courage to navigate our own spiritual journeys. We are invited by the Spirit to gather in fellowship, supporting one another as we build our lives on the solid foundation of faith.

It must have felt like a bit of heaven to land on that rocky shore after being out on a small boat in the middle of the Sea of Hebrides. And yet, they gave themselves to the purposes of God’s kingdom yielding to the Wind of the Spirit.

The world today can feel like we’re in the middle of a tumultuous sea, threatening our safety and well-being and those of the most vulnerable around the world, so our invitation is clearly to trust God no matter how things look, keeping focused on the purposes of the Kingdom of God. And isn’t that what we have been doing for many years now? It hasn’t been easy to get where we are today, now we are stepping into a new future. 

We got in the boat together, put up our sail and looked for the rock that is higher than us (Psalm 61:2). We entrusted our spirits into your hands Lord, for you are a faithful God. And look how God has led…

This week is a big week for Eden. Now we are climbing into a larger boat with more passionate followers of God, with a clear focus, joining God in God's mission to see more disciples among more populations in a more caring and just world. We will strive to stay on mission by focusing our lives and work around our covenant commitments. 

This core mission is pursued through five strategic priorities: 

• Start & Strengthen Churches: The Covenant is committed to starting and strengthening healthy, missional churches, believing that the local church is God's basic strategy to carry out the mission in the world.

• Make & Deepen Disciples: We aim to reach people with new life in Christ and help them grow deeper in their faith. They want to mobilize a multiethnic movement of disciples who make disciples of all ages.

• Develop Leaders: The Covenant invests in the personal and professional growth of their clergy and seeks to expand training opportunities for laity as well.

• Love Mercy Do Justice: We are committed to pursuing compassion and justice, helping hurting people and addressing the causes of their suffering.

• Serve Globally: The Covenant believes in a global gospel and participates in God's mission across cultures and around the world, making and deepening disciples, starting and strengthening churches, developing leaders, and demonstrating love, mercy, and justice. 

We find ourselves on a new shore so now, …be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord! and let’s celebrate for God is doing a new thing, can you perceive it?!

Standing on our Rock with you,

Pastor T

Don't forget! Watch on our Facebook page for links to LIVE coverage of Gather - The ECC Annual Meeting in Orlando. We will be presented before the churches as we join the Covenant family on Friday morning around 9 a.m.